the u.s. senate has done a very small part of it, unanimously passing a bill that allows federal officials to help local authorities respond to mass shootings or other violent crimes in public places, a jurisdictional thing. that's a start. that's something. but is it more possible now in a changed political landscape, in a changed country. what about the issue of federal research on guns? that's not allowed right now. back in the mid-'90s, an arkansas republican pushed an amendment through congress that is still in effect today. it strips the centers for disease control budget of $2.6 million specifically, because that is the exact amount the agency had spent on gun-related research. it also outlawed further research on gun control. that's what it says in the amendment. none of the funds made available for injury, prevention and control at the centers for disease control may be used to advocate or promote gun control that is still the law. or how about allowing the government to release the i